Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

of adverse fortune. From some few of the original merchants of the island we still, however, occasionally received marks of sympathy and commiseration.

A number of officers having already proceeded to the United States, in consequence of the comparatively moderate rate of passage, we had likewise determined on pursuing a similar course, and, in order to provide ourselves with the requisite funds, and replenish our nearly exhausted resources, we immediately converted into cash every article of property we could possibly dispose of, (consisting of our swords, epaulets, books, &c.) Having by this means collected what we calculated would be sufficient to secure us a conveyance to North America, we entered into a treaty with the captain of the brig, General Jackson, bound to Philadelphia, and had nearly agreed with him for a passage, with ship fare, at thirty dollars each, when our attention was diverted from this purpose by an occurrence at Saint Kitt's, which revived in our minds the nearly expired hope of again returning to our native country.

A

The circumstance to which I have just referred, was that of several English merchant vessels, (which had either through neglect or misconception of the navigation laws, been subjected to seizure ;) having been taken possession of by the admiral on that station.

Some of the merchants in Saint Bartholomew's hearing of this event, advised us, in the strongest manner, to proceed to Saint Kitt's; observing, that the above named ships must, in order to obtain new registers, unavoidably return to England in ballast; and would, in all probability, afford us a passage home at a moderate rate. We felt too much elated with even this distant prospect of returning to Europe, to hesitate one moment as to the course we should pursue. We at once relinquished our North American project; and having determined on proceeding to Saint Kitt's, made every preparation with the greatest despatch; obtained our passports, and in less than two hours had the satisfaction to find ourselves on board a small schooner, on the point of sailing for that island; to the

H

captain of which we each paid four dollars for our passage.

We took our final leave of Saint Bartholomew's in the afternoon of the third of April; leaving behind us the ship Dowson, with Colonel Campbell and his remaining officers on board, as likewise Mr. Hudson, who having been altogether foiled in his original scheme, had, a short time previous to our departure, declared it to be his intention immediately to beat up for recruits throughout the island, and proceed with any number he could collect.

The Emerald, which proceeded to Saint Bartholomew's, after transferring Colonel Hippesley's party to the patriot schooner, Tiger, also continued at anchor after our departure.

Early on the following morning we were close in with Saint Kitt's, which island presented the most fertile and highly cultivated appearance. The minor hills exhibited the most lively and pleasing variety of shades, covered with verdure to their summits, occasionally interspersed with small timber and brush-wood.

The numerous and widely-extended fields of sugar-cane were peculiarly attractive.; displaying, according to the state of forwardness of the plant, an infinite diversity of tints. Nothing, perhaps, can give a more correct idea of a distant view of a young sugar plantation, than a half-ripe field of wheat; with this difference, that the former is far superior in richness of colouring.

The mills were in every direction in fulloperation, pressing the cane, whilst innumerable canoes were to be seen carrying the produce of the different plantations to the West Indiamen at anchor in Bassterre Roads; the scene was altogether the most lively and cheerful imaginable, and the general appearance of the island, the active industry of its inhabitants, and wide display of substantial wealth, were particularly striking, as contrasted with the barren and uncultivated island from which we had so recently departed.

About nine o'clock in the forenoon we landed at Bassterre, and immediately proceeded to an inn situated a short distance from the beach, where we met with three

officers formerly attached to Colonel Wilson's regiment; but who had some time previously resigned their commissions in disgust. These gentlemen had been particularly fortunate, having, in consequence of an early appeal to Governor Probyn, and his Excellency's recommendation to the legislative body, been provided with ample means for their return to Europe. The successful result of this application encouraged us to the adoption of a similar course of proceeding, previous to making any inquiries relative to the vessels under seizure. Having thus formed our resolution, we immediately proceeded to pay our respects to the Governor, then at his country lodge, about two miles distant from the town; but the same good fortune that attended the former applicants was denied to us, although in every respect similarly situated, and our claims (which could be only those upon humanity) equally entitled to consideration.

On being admitted to the Governor's presence, we explained to him the painful situation in which we were placed; that we

« AnteriorContinuar »